The Indigenous leaders giving Campbell hope for the future
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All Stars legend Preston Campbell has praised the current generation of Indigenous stars for building on the foundation laid throughout the early years of the clash.
The premiership winner was the brainchild behind the creation of the All Stars match in 2010 and has watched as the event has grown and evolved into a key fixture on the rugby league calendar.
In that time, Campbell has passed the baton down to the next generation, with Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston emerging as Indigenous leaders before their retirement and a current crop of stars led by Josh Addo-Carr, Nicho Hynes, and women's co-captains Quincy Dodd and Talisha Harden stepped up.
Campbell will be in Hamilton to present the Preston Campbell Medal following Sunday's match and is proud of the way an initial idea has evolved into the high-profile event it is today.
The first Indigenous War Cry at the All Stars
"I like to watch the ones that are experienced and have done it before," Campbell told NRL.com. "See how they continue to drive the message.
"They play an important role not just as senior players but they've been involved for a long time so to share their journey in the NRL and in life is important. That's why events like this are good because where do they have an opportunity to get together like this?
"They're the people that keep this game relevant. The players drove it from the beginning, they got it over the line and they have the biggest stake in it today so it has to be the players that find meaning in it."
Match: Maori v Indigenous
Round 1 -
home Team
Maori
away Team
Indigenous
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
This year's All Stars match will be played in New Zealand for just the second time, after Rotorua hosted the contest in 2023.
While the game started as a battle between the Indigenous All Stars and NRL All Stars, the long-term plan always involved a Māori All Stars side.
An Indigenous team played a Māori side as a curtain-raiser during the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, laying the foundation for the current format.
The importance of the match extends beyond the contest on the field, with the week leading up to the game a celebration of the two cultures and a chance to learn from each other.
"When it comes to the Maori culture, they're pretty strong in their culture," Campbell said. "I'm not saying we aren't as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but it's a good way to exchange ideas and observe how they do things.
"It's almost become a cliche now but it's not just about the game. The sport of rugby league can do so much and reach so many people. It's another cliche, but we can't just look at the wins we get on the field but also the wins we can get off the field."
Throwback: Trindall's 2024 Preston Campbell Medal performance
Campbell's role at the All Stars match will extend beyond presenting the medal named in his honour, with the retired playmaker delivering a State of Mind workshop to the game's debutants.
He will also present at the Aotearoa NZ Māori Rugby league Rangatahi Summit 2026 Panui, where Campbell will outline his personal journey.
The 48-year-old has dedicated his post-playing career to supporting others through the establishment of the Preston Campbell Foundation.
The charity aims to support young people through education, employment and wellbeing and cultural connection.
"We don't just support Indigenous communities, we support anybody that could do with some help and assistance," Campbell said.
"My wife is not Indigenous, she's Danish-Australian so I see and understand there are so many other parts of the community. People think because I'm Aboriginal, that's my man focus. It's not my main priority, my main priority is on helping all people.
"I do work with Indigenous people but I also love when opportunities come up to work with other communities. It's an opportunity to learn more about who I am and also gain perspective by working with other people."
